Manchester United are lining up a move for Juventus striker Alvaro Morata, a source close to the Premier League club has told ESPN FC.
Morata’s future has been the subject of intense speculation with the Spain international expected to leave Juve as Real Madrid look to activate their £23 million buy-back clause.
However, Madrid are ready to sell on Morata for a hefty profit once they bring him back to the club, with several Premier League sides showing an interest in the 23-year-old.
Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly keen on Morata as they look to add to their attacking options for next season, and a source has told ESPN FC that United have expressed a firm interest in the player.
New United boss Jose Mourinho is a huge fan of Morata having handed the attacker his debut at Madrid while he was in charge of the Spanish club.
Despite the widely anticipated arrival of Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Old Trafford, Mourinho remains keen to add to his striking options and is ready to pursue a move for Morata, with Wayne Rooney likely to be handed a midfield role next season.
Mourinho is ready to battle his Premier League rivals for Morata’s signature and hopes his past association with the player could swing any deal in his favour.
Morata, speaking from Spain’s camp ahead of Euro 2016, told a news conference that he is not against staying at Juve next season, while for the moment his main focus is the upcoming tournament.
“I am very relaxed as I have a contract with Juve and I feel at home there,” Morata said. “I am a Juve player still, until someone says different. The tournament is important for me, but all my teammates too. It is a dream to be here.”
Morata, who is expected to lead Spain’s forward line at Euro 2016, has scored 27 goals in two seasons at Juve to help them win two Serie A titles in that time.
The striker said last month that he has received “tempting offers” from England and would be interested in making a move to the Premier League.
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